Minister shouted down at CSG meeting

It took at least 15 minutes for NSW Planning Minister Brad Hazzard to get a decipherable word in at a public meeting about coal seam gas in Lismore.

The 800-strong crowd of predominantly coal seam gas opponents soon dominated the microphone with their concerns and questions for the minister.

The first statement came from an Indigenous audience member who said: "Under the UN resolution, we have a right to determine our own destiny... and we're asking you as a government to live up to your standards and requirements by the UN in regards to us as a people. We're all concerned for Mother Earth, that's all we're here for."

Other comments included:

"If you're talking about democracy, that you are forcing this issue on the Northern Rivers is a joke. We call for you to revoke all CSG unconventional gas in the Northern Rivers."

"We are not going to let this happen for the benefit of some JP Morgan and sons shareholders, Petro China... or any other energy that wants to come in here and get short-term profits on the backs of our environment."

"One thing you blokes, and you madam, never seem to get right is that environment comes before economy."

The first direct question to Mr Hazzard came from a child who asked: "I live next door to where the coal seam gas wells are going in, can you please promise me that all my animals won't get poisoned?"

The minister responded: "Can I promise you this? We are going to do everything we can to make sure that everything is safe for you. Can I just say these little kids here don't deserve this and you really need to settle down."

Another question asked was: "If Metgasco resubmits its plans to build a pipeline to pump our local gas for export to China and India, will local communities be able to appeal to the Land and Environment Court?"